Weather charts are showing the severe weather system moving across the majority of the UK in the coming weeks as it makes its way over from continental Europe.

More than 20 people have been killed across Europe as a result of the devastating weather and the Met Office is predicting a similar conditions to hit most of the UK soon, The Mirror reports.

The Scottish Highlands are likely to feel the full effect of the snowstorms, but Essex could also be affected as the storms make their way down through the Midlands, East Anglia and towards the south-east coast.

What is the Met Office saying?

Snow and colder weather is on the way, forecasters say

For the next few days at least, Essex can expect to see a continued period of mild weather with clouds, winds and the occasional shower.

However, the Met Office is predicting it will turn colder later next week with spells of wintry showers, snow and frost.

Then comes the snow. Britons are being warned to expect the first major snowstorms of the season and to prepare for testing conditions.

The 'Beast from the East' caused travel chaos across the UK in February last year as drivers became trapped in the heavy snow and trains and flights were cancelled.

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People were left stranded away from their homes overnight and some schools had to close for days.

According to a map by Wxcharts, around 1-2cm of snow could fall across East Anglia and other neighbouring areas by January 23.

The maps also suggests that the majority of the UK will see snowfall on January 24 and 25.

The Met Office has also warned of ice and widespread frost, resulting from a sudden stratospheric warming which is making its way towards the UK.

Drivers have been urged to take care on the roads when it snows (Image: Moment RF)

Deputy Chief Meteorologist, Martin Young said: “The latest forecast suggests the highest risk of any severe wintry weather is from late January and into February. Whether cold spells will be brought about by Arctic air arriving from the north or easterly flows arriving from the continent remains uncertain.

“However, before this happens we expect a rather changeable and relatively mild spell over the weekend and early next week, with some rain for most of us.

“From the middle of next week, and especially during the last week of January and into early February, there is an increased likelihood of cold weather becoming established across all of the UK.

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"This would bring an enhanced risk of snow and widespread frost almost anywhere across the UK, but particularly across northern parts.

"However, the cold weather may not affect the whole of the UK and it is still possible that some milder and wetter interludes will intersperse this generally cold period, especially in the south."

Here is the Met Office's extended forecast

Scenes like this are possible in places hit by heavy snow in the coming days

UK outlook for Saturday, January 26 to Saturday, February 9:

"During the last week of January and into early February, there is an increased likelihood of cold weather being established across all of the UK.

"This would bring a greater risk of snow, ice and widespread frost, particularly across northern parts of the country.

"However, there remains uncertainty over the extent of the cold weather and how long it will last, and it is still possible that some milder and wetter interludes will intersperse this generally cold period, especially in the south."

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